ADVERTISEMENT

Nowadays, traveling is not only a favored hobby, but a necessity, too, for some people, who can probably no longer remember their life without it. But whether it’s vacation time or a business trip, they have plenty of options to choose from to get themselves from point A to point B. Even if the destination is on the other end of the world, they can get there in roughly a day, which was once a thing difficult to imagine.

Clearly, many things seemed impossible at a certain point in time; but, thanks to the development in technology and engineering, quite a few have become reality. If you’re curious to take a step back in time and see what travel looked like back in the 19-20th centuries, you’re in luck, as today we’re focusing on the period between 1830-1955.

On the list below you will find some fascinating pictures, as shared by the ‘Golden Age Of Travel 1830-1955’ Facebook group that depict everything from the first subway ride in New York, to German monorails, and much more. You will also find Bored Panda’s interview with the founder of the group, Bill, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about it. So wait no longer, scroll down to browse the pictures and make sure to upvote your favorites!

#1

1905 Woods Electric Car

1905 Woods Electric Car

See Twise Report

Add photo comments
POST
WindySwede
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine where we could be with EVs if they just had continued with this!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Jefferson County Mobile Library, Texas' First Mobile Library

Jefferson County Mobile Library, Texas' First Mobile Library

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

#3

200-Year-Old Wooden Bridge In Dagestan, Built Without The Use Of A Single Nail

200-Year-Old Wooden Bridge In Dagestan, Built Without The Use Of A Single Nail

Story Cafe Report

“The Golden Age of Travel” is the group’s name for a reason; its description states that the phrase is often used to describe the period between the 1830s and the early 1950s (excluding the two world wars).

The description also states that the posts should relate to where vacationers went, what they saw, or how they got there, and they can include “posters, old photos (or modern, if they depict interesting passenger transportation or beautiful old buildings, such as castles), advertisements” and similar formats.

#4

Bmw Isetta Bubble Car Custom Conversion, 1950s. And, Of Course, A Picnic Basket

Bmw Isetta Bubble Car Custom Conversion, 1950s. And, Of Course, A Picnic Basket

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Aileen Grist
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandad got knocked down by someone in a bubble car. He sprained his ankle - and the car was a write-off. He wasn't a big man

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Native Americans In 1908

Native Americans In 1908

Changling Mandrake Report

Add photo comments
POST
Javelina Poppers
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I slept in teepee for a week in the dead of winter in Colorado some years back. They are amazingly comfortable with a small fire in the middle of the floor hence the opening at the top to let smoke out.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Currently boasting close to 630k members, the group was created back in 2018. Talking about how it all started, its founder Bill told Bored Panda that as a world traveler and author, he always enjoyed reading about early travelers.

“I thought it would be fun to join such a group, but I was surprised to find that none existed. When I started it, I published many vintage posters and old travel photos,” he said, adding that after creating the group, his sister joined the endeavor.

#6

New York Central “Mercury” 1936

New York Central “Mercury” 1936

Story Cafe Report

#7

A Bicycle For The Whole Family, 1949

A Bicycle For The Whole Family, 1949

Joyce Ward Report

#8

London In The 1920s. A Policeman In A London Street Giving Directions To The Three Children On A Bicycle. The Bicycle Is Specially Made For Three Persons

London In The 1920s. A Policeman In A London Street Giving Directions To The Three Children On A Bicycle. The Bicycle Is Specially Made For Three Persons

Endri Logos Report

ADVERTISEMENT

Bill shared that in order to be posted on the group’s page, the pictures have to be from within the time frame of the 1830s to the 1950s. But other than that, members are quite welcome to expand the limits of the group’s field of interest.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Members have caused the group to evolve and grow. They introduced archeological finds, vintage cars, modern pics of vintage buildings,” the founder noted.

#9

The First Subway Ride In New York City History, 120 Years Ago. Original, 1904

The First Subway Ride In New York City History, 120 Years Ago. Original, 1904

Hussein Saleh Report

#11

1931 The German Schienenzeppelin Hits Max Speed Of 120 Mph (230 Kmh)

1931 The German Schienenzeppelin Hits Max Speed Of 120 Mph (230 Kmh)

Kenny Callei Report

Add photo comments
POST
Glix Drap
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's a train. P.S. - the Kmp is correct. Mph should be 143 as BP poster General Anaestgesia specifies.

View more commentsArrow down menu

Research into the golden age of travel suggests that while the roots of travel go back to the 18th century, back then it was still a novelty for the general masses. However, the situation started changing from the 1930s onwards, as the growing availability of the motor car—and later the development of the aircraft—made traveling increasingly available to certain classes of people, reportedly especially in Europe.

#12

Baby Strollers Strapped To The Front Of The Bus In Opawa, New Zealand (1950s)

Baby Strollers Strapped To The Front Of The Bus In Opawa, New Zealand (1950s)

Joyce Ward Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Car Seats Were Not Equipped With Any Straps To Keep Baby Seat On The Seat. Instead, These Seats Depended On The Mother Extending Her Arm To Prevent The Baby From Toppling Forward. 1958

Car Seats Were Not Equipped With Any Straps To Keep Baby Seat On The Seat. Instead, These Seats Depended On The Mother Extending Her Arm To Prevent The Baby From Toppling Forward. 1958

ShutterBulky Report

#14

Boat Ride, 1920s

Boat Ride, 1920s

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

Add photo comments
POST
Data1001
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman with the dog is giving me Tony-Curtis-in-Some-Like-It-Hot vibes.

View more commentsArrow down menu

Nowadays, many people can’t imagine their lives without traveling. Though the pandemic had brought it to a halt for a moment there, it seems to be picking up speed again, at least based on the leisure tourism spending worldwide, which was consistently rising between 2019 and 2023. Last year, such spending worldwide added up to over $5,100 billion US dollars.

#15

A Victorian Home Being Moved Via Horse Power In San Francisco, 1908

A Victorian Home Being Moved Via Horse Power In San Francisco, 1908

Ciarra Tavares-Girsback Report

#16

An Amazing Capture Of Changing Times In Transportation By Photographer O. Winston Link

An Amazing Capture Of Changing Times In Transportation By Photographer O. Winston Link

Troy C. Werner Report

#17

A Sleeping Berth On An Imperial Airways Aircraft In 1937

A Sleeping Berth On An Imperial Airways Aircraft In 1937

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

Add photo comments
POST
HTakeover
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was a press photo of one of their last plane models they made (before being bought out by another airline) - the Short Empire aka Flying Boat. With features like a couple of sleeping berths, adjustable leather seats, cigar lounge, champagne of course, etc. These ran passenger service from Southampton England to Cape Town South Africa, with stops in France, Italy, Greece, Sudan, Uganda, and several others. Which took about 6 days ish with 5 overnight stops. A year later they would expand to go from England to Australia. Those took about 10 days, with 9 overnight stops. Cost of the flight from England to Australia was equivalent to about $20,000 give or take. Which was a steal considering other planes/routes cost upwards $40k and didn't have lounges.

View more commentsArrow down menu

When asked how he felt about the response the group receives from the online community, Bill admitted feeling surprised and delighted. In his opinion, “The Golden Age of Travel” and similar groups provide people with entertainment and allow them to delve deeper into history and art, which can benefit quite a few curious minds out there.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’re one of such curious minds, looking to delve deeper into all things travel or history, browse Bored Panda’s list of lesser-known travel destinations next, or check out these fascinating pictures from the past for more similar content.

#18

Chief Iron Tail, Cranking An Early Automobile, 1915

Chief Iron Tail, Cranking An Early Automobile, 1915

Royal World Report

#19

1950s, “Flying Cars” Amusement Park Ride. The Drum Rotated And You Controlled A Brake In The Car. The Cars Would Go Completely Up And Over The Loop

1950s, “Flying Cars” Amusement Park Ride. The Drum Rotated And You Controlled A Brake In The Car. The Cars Would Go Completely Up And Over The Loop

Duck & Cover, Growing Up in the Atomic Age Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jrog
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was closed and went out of fashion as a ride style over safety concerns, but if properly done it's not even that dangerous, no more than a rollercoaster. The cars are retained to a rail (visible in the photo), and the passengers have seatbelts. There is no risk of collision and the speed is moderate, barely 50 km/h. The accidents happened due to shoddy installation -the embankment built for leveling the ground failed- and from lack of surveillance (passengers not fastening the belts). All of these could be prevented my modern safety mechanisms.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Salvador Héctor Sarida, Little 6-Year-Old Motorcyclist. Buenos Aires, 1936

Salvador Héctor Sarida, Little 6-Year-Old Motorcyclist. Buenos Aires, 1936

Endri Logos Report

#21

Titanic Launch Into Belfast Harbour (1911)

Titanic Launch Into Belfast Harbour (1911)

Ciarra Tavares-Girsback Report

#22

Food Delivery In The Future

Food Delivery In The Future

Rosa Hemming Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Traditional Cod Fishing In Lofoten ( Nordland, Norway) In 1928

Traditional Cod Fishing In Lofoten ( Nordland, Norway) In 1928

hese "åttring" boats with four (sometimes five) pairs of oars represent a continuous boat building tradition from the pre-Viking Age.

My restoration and digital hand colorization of Anders Beer Wilse´s
photo in the Norsk Folkemuseum archive.

Frank Hellsten Report

#25

New York, USA - 1960: French Cellist Maurice Baquet Trying To Open His Car Covered With Snow During A Snow Storm

New York, USA - 1960: French Cellist Maurice Baquet Trying To Open His Car Covered With Snow During A Snow Storm

www.facebook.com Report

#27

Georges Tairraz II ( 1900 - 1975 ). Two Climbers Traversing The Aiguille Du Midi And Aiguille Du Plan, Chamonix, France 1932

Georges Tairraz II ( 1900 - 1975 ). Two Climbers Traversing The Aiguille Du Midi And Aiguille Du Plan, Chamonix, France 1932

Gren Nation Report

#28

A Family Getting Ready To Cruise In Their 1903 Cadillac Model A Tonneau

A Family Getting Ready To Cruise In Their 1903 Cadillac Model A Tonneau

ShutterBulky Report

#30

Interior Of Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation

Interior Of Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

Add photo comments
POST
Data1001
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally, an accurate photo of aircraft interiors from that era. Most of what you see these days are not actually taken inside an airplane but were promotional photos on a specially-designed soundstage of sorts. That's why they always looked like they had space for days. (I mean, they did have more space than today's flights, but not quite as crazy as is often depicted.)

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#31

Man Standing On Lap Of Colossal Figure Of Ramses, 1856

Man Standing On Lap Of Colossal Figure Of Ramses, 1856

Machine Lord Report

#32

Golden Gate Bridge Painter Walking To Work

Golden Gate Bridge Painter Walking To Work

Craig Meador Report

#33

An Austin 7 Driven By B. Sparrow Loses Control At Donington Park On May 13, 1933

An Austin 7 Driven By B. Sparrow Loses Control At Donington Park On May 13, 1933

Endri Logos Report

Add photo comments
POST
Richard Graham
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Austin 7 was nicknamed "The Chummy" because it was so small, passengers were squeezed together.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

A Coca Cola Delivery Van In Oslo In 1938

A Coca Cola Delivery Van In Oslo In 1938

Norway was, in addition to Australia, Austria and South Africa, one of the countries where Coca Cola was introduced in that year. (Neighboring country Sweden had to wait until 1953.) My partial colorization of Anders B. Wilse´s photo in the Norsk Folkemuseum archive

Frank Hellsten Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine the marketing / publicity bump you get by being the only full color vehicle in the city! /J

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

A Barge Maneuvering Under The Michigan Ave Bridge, Chicago In 1953

A Barge Maneuvering Under The Michigan Ave Bridge, Chicago In 1953

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

Add photo comments
POST
S. E. in Indiana
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a big barge to be on the Chicago River right there at that bend,

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

New York City After A Snowstorm In 1888

New York City After A Snowstorm In 1888

Vellore Eruthukattu Report

#37

Frozen Niagara Falls, 1911

Frozen Niagara Falls, 1911

History Defined Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#38

Titanic Compared To A Modern Cruise Ship

Titanic Compared To A Modern Cruise Ship

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

#39

1946 Hey Mister, I Can Fix That Tire For A Coke,a Cap Gun,five Army Men And A Hula Hoop

1946 Hey Mister, I Can Fix That Tire For A Coke,a Cap Gun,five Army Men And A Hula Hoop

Craig Meador Report

#40

A Photograph Taken Infront Of Rome's Colosseum, Circa 1897

A Photograph Taken Infront Of Rome's Colosseum, Circa 1897

Monique Genoud Report

#41

Passengers On Board The Staten Island Ferry In 1895

Passengers On Board The Staten Island Ferry In 1895

Joyce Ward Report

#44

A Train Passes Through Densely Packed Housing Along Kensal Rise, London, England. March 1921

A Train Passes Through Densely Packed Housing Along Kensal Rise, London, England. March 1921

Monique Genoud Report

Add photo comments
POST
Glix Drap
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has become a very trendy area. One of these terrace houses will set you back about £1.8 million.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

Passengers On Eastern Airlines In 1935

Passengers On Eastern Airlines In 1935

Planes were so loud back in the day that the cabin crew had to use megaphones so the passengers could hear them. Flights from the UK to Australia took 11 days. The plane could drop 100's of feet randomly thus motion sickness bowls were placed beneath the seats.

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

#47

Cycle Engineer Riding The World’s Smallest Bicycle Through The City, London, August 1937

Cycle Engineer Riding The World’s Smallest Bicycle Through The City, London, August 1937

Royal World Report

Add photo comments
POST
WindySwede
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stuff made here, made his own version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqywL9PkM2s

View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

1920s Passengers Waiting For A Thrill Of A Lifetime!

1920s Passengers Waiting For A Thrill Of A Lifetime!

Craig Meador Report

#49

Camp Of Scientists In The Sands Of The Karakum Desert. Turkmen Ssr, 1953

Camp Of Scientists In The Sands Of The Karakum Desert. Turkmen Ssr, 1953

Tomi Vaalisto Report

#50

Queensboro Bridge (Aka 59th Street Bridge) Under Construction In 1905

Queensboro Bridge (Aka 59th Street Bridge) Under Construction In 1905

Joyce Ward Report

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

A Match Day, 90 Years Ago. Tram In The Barça Field Along Carrer Anglesola (1933)

A Match Day, 90 Years Ago. Tram In The Barça Field Along Carrer Anglesola (1933)

Endri Logos Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#53

Henry Giulio's Airship, The Yellow, 1903 Old Photos From The 19th Century Give Us A Glimpse Into The Achievements Of The Industrial Revolution

Henry Giulio's Airship, The Yellow, 1903 Old Photos From The 19th Century Give Us A Glimpse Into The Achievements Of The Industrial Revolution

Liwia Zieliński Report

#54

People Waiting For The Bus. Paris 1958

People Waiting For The Bus. Paris 1958

Endri Logos Report

#55

The Empire State Building's Top Was Initially Planned To Be A Docking Station For Airships In The Late 1920s

The Empire State Building's Top Was Initially Planned To Be A Docking Station For Airships In The Late 1920s

Investors believed airships would soon be used for cross-Atlantic travel, and the building's top seemed perfect for docking.

The plan was for airships to land at the top, secure quickly, and let passengers walk into the building's top floor. Then, they could take an elevator down to Manhattan, arriving within seven minutes of landing. A docking mast was even built on the building.

However, engineers couldn't figure out how to safely dock an airship on a 1,250-foot building with strong winds. Airship companies considered the idea too risky, and interest waned. Still, a private blimp did dock for three minutes in September 1931, causing traffic jams below, but no unloading occurred.

The era of cross-Atlantic airships ended with the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, when the world's largest airship caught fire while landing in New Jersey.

Ciarra Tavares-Girsback Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#56

Daytona Beach In 1904

Daytona Beach In 1904

Florida Memories Report

Add photo comments
POST
Data1001
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All I can think of with those horses is: I love to walk around barefoot on the beach, feel that sand between your toes... OMG, that's not sand!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#57

Munich, Germany, May 1949 Of A Man And His Two Boys Riding On Their Daily Commute

Munich, Germany, May 1949 Of A Man And His Two Boys Riding On Their Daily Commute

www.facebook.com Report

#58

Maintenance Worker Painting The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia, 1945

Maintenance Worker Painting The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia, 1945

Toseef Ur Rehman Report

Add photo comments
POST
Angela B
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although there are still tragic workplace accidents, injuries and deaths, I am glad WHS has come a long way since then.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

1899 Vintage Bicycle Built For Two

1899 Vintage Bicycle Built For Two

Story Cafe Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her face suggests she has figured out she is the front bumper. /j

View more commentsArrow down menu
#60

A Train Driver At Euston Station In London Talks To Two Young Girls On The Platform. April 1936

A Train Driver At Euston Station In London Talks To Two Young Girls On The Platform. April 1936

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

#61

New York 1918 Hotel Astor Automobile Salon

New York 1918 Hotel Astor Automobile Salon

Endri Logos Report

#62

Women Fishing In A Dock, 1908. Toronto

Women Fishing In A Dock, 1908. Toronto

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

#63

Picnic, 1954 750 Renault

Picnic, 1954 750 Renault

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#64

1939 Packard 8 Door

1939 Packard 8 Door

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember something similar to this. Maybe same? Back in the 70s a small town high school (near mine) had a super long multi-door sedan they sometimes used to haul the sports team(s). Especially for a parade or homecoming, stuff like that. At the time I just thought it was a custom job. But even in the 70s is had a very old timey look like it was modeled after old time cars. Except now seeing this I'm wondering if it WAS an old time car. I wish I had a picture to compare to see if it was one of these.

#65

The Triborough Bridge In New York City In 1937

The Triborough Bridge In New York City In 1937

Joyce Ward Report

Add photo comments
POST
#66

The 1938 Brazilian National Team Training On The Ship. Players Were Thin Compared To Today

The 1938 Brazilian National Team Training On The Ship. Players Were Thin Compared To Today

Endri Logos Report

#67

Firefighters Trying To Stop Fire At The Equitable Life Building During A Snowstorm, Manhattan, 1912

Firefighters Trying To Stop Fire At The Equitable Life Building During A Snowstorm, Manhattan, 1912

Machine Lord Report

Add photo comments
POST
#68

Legless Woman Poses On A Motorcycle At The Wall Of Death Motordrome C1940s

Legless Woman Poses On A Motorcycle At The Wall Of Death Motordrome C1940s

Endri Logos Report

Add photo comments
POST
Glix Drap
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did she become legless because of trying this stunt whilst drunk?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#69

1929 - Mulholland Dam Reinforced With Tons Of Dirt Shortly After The St. Francis Dam Disaster

1929 - Mulholland Dam Reinforced With Tons Of Dirt Shortly After The St. Francis Dam Disaster

Following the 1928 St. Francis Dam failure, the Mulholland Dam was reinforced with tons of dirt on the downstream side as a precautionary measure. Later studies confirmed that the St. Francis Dam disaster was due to geological instability, not a design flaw

Jack Feldman Report

#70

Palm Beach Airport, 1955

Palm Beach Airport, 1955

Danny Fernandez Jimenez Report

Add photo comments
POST
Limey
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I travel a lot for work and of course these days we are all wheeling our suitcases. I look at these old pics and wonder, why did it take so long to figure out to put wheels on luggage?

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

A Great Look At An Officer With His Indian Motorcycle In 1924, Washington D.c

A Great Look At An Officer With His Indian Motorcycle In 1924, Washington D.c

Endri Logos Report

#72

John Cobb Set A New World Land Speed Record Of 353.30 Mph On The 15th September 1938 In The Railton Mobil Special, Becoming The First Driver To Exceed 350mph

John Cobb Set A New World Land Speed Record Of 353.30 Mph On The 15th September 1938 In The Railton Mobil Special, Becoming The First Driver To Exceed 350mph

The vehicle was powered by two supercharged Napier Lion VIID (WD) W-12 aircraft engines. These engines were the gift of Marion 'Joe' Carstairs, who had previously used them in her powerboat Estelle V. Coupled together, these two engines made 2,700 hp (2,013 kW) @ 3,600 rpm, and 3,939 lbft (5,341 Nm) torque.

With the huge powers thus available, the limitation was in finding a transmission and tyres that could cope. Reid Railton found a simple and ingenious solution to this by simply splitting the drive from each engine to a separate axle, giving four wheel drive.

The vehicle weighed over 3 tonnes and was 28 ft 8 in (8.74 m) long, 8 ft (2.4 m) wide and 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) high. The front wheels were 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) apart and the rear 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m). The National Physical Laboratory's wind tunnel was used for testing models of the body

On 16 September 1947, the wind had picked up considerably and the course was still less than ideal, but the car was ready. Cobb decided to make a record attempt.
Setting off to the south, Cobb shifted into second gear at around 120 mph (193 km/h) and hit third at around 250 mph (402 km/h). The Railton shot through the measured mile (1.6 km) at 385.645 mph (620.635 km/h).
The tires were changed and fluids refilled. On the run north, Cobb covered the mile (1.6 km) at 403.136 mph (648.785 km/h). The two-way average of the runs was a new LSR at 394.197 mph (634.399 km/h).
And so it was that a 47-year-old man in a 10-year-old car with 20-year-old engines established a new Land Speed Record

Leslie Marton Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As incredible as that speed is for a ground vehicle, it has since been almost doubled. Imagine breaking the sound barrier in a "car". == "The current holder of the Outright World Land Speed Record is ThrustSSC driven by Andy Green, a twin turbofan jet-powered car which achieved 763.035 mph - 1227.985 km/h - over one mile in October 1997. This is the first supersonic record as it exceeded the sound barrier at Mach 1.016."

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#73

Delta Gamma Girls Singing In A Bus Which Is Taking Them Through The Snow And Mud To The Talent Show. North Dakota, May 1950

Delta Gamma Girls Singing In A Bus Which Is Taking Them Through The Snow And Mud To The Talent Show. North Dakota, May 1950

George Derenburger Report

#74

1949 Brooklyn Ice Cream Truck

1949 Brooklyn Ice Cream Truck

Jiali Chen Report

#76

Wabash Ave. Chicago, 1907

Wabash Ave. Chicago, 1907

George Derenburger Report

Add photo comments
POST
#77

1920s – The Mulholland Dam Before The Hollywood Reservoir Was Filled, With The Hollywoodland Sign Visible In The Background

1920s – The Mulholland Dam Before The Hollywood Reservoir Was Filled, With The Hollywoodland Sign Visible In The Background

Jack Feldman Report

Add photo comments
POST
#79

Five Female Journalists Smile As They Walk On The Airport Runway To Board A Vacation Flight After Winning The Annual 'Prettiest Newspaperwoman' Contest

Five Female Journalists Smile As They Walk On The Airport Runway To Board A Vacation Flight After Winning The Annual 'Prettiest Newspaperwoman' Contest

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

#80

A Woman Passenger Reads A Magazine On Board A Boeing Airliner, Circa 1955 Advertising

A Woman Passenger Reads A Magazine On Board A Boeing Airliner, Circa 1955 Advertising

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#81

Passenger Aboard An American Airliner Enroute From Washington To Los Angeles. Photograph By John Collier In 1941

Passenger Aboard An American Airliner Enroute From Washington To Los Angeles. Photograph By John Collier In 1941

Elisa Elena Jiménez Emán Report

#82

Los Angeles, Bus And Two Women. 1955. By Vivian Maier

Los Angeles, Bus And Two Women. 1955. By Vivian Maier

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

Add photo comments
POST
David
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like a bus I used to ride sometimes in the 70s. There was a small town (pop about 6,000) and about 15 miles away was our local "large" city, pop about 75K. At that time there was no county bus system and most of the shopping was in the larger city. The small town had one old bus that went between the town. The fare was a quarter.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#83

The Greyhound Bus Company Might Have Been Founded In 1914, But It Didn't Adopt The Greyhound Name Until 1929

The Greyhound Bus Company Might Have Been Founded In 1914, But It Didn't Adopt The Greyhound Name Until 1929

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙩 Report

#84

Dunkin Donuts In The 1950s

Dunkin Donuts In The 1950s

Joyce Ward Report

#85

Brooklyn Bridge, New York. Then vs. Now

Brooklyn Bridge, New York. Then vs. Now

Hussein Saleh Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jaaawn
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those aren't the same building. The 1900 photo is the Singer Building, demolished to make way for One Liberty Plaza.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu